Pala creates sunglasses that are not only beautifully and sustainably made, they also support life-changing vision projects across Africa.
Ethics
Ethical Manufacturing
The factory they use undergoes a regular third-party ethical trade audit (SMETA) encompassing all aspects of responsible business practice, covering Sedex’s four pillars of Labour, Health and Safety, Environment and Business Ethics. They also work alongside a Ghanaian-based NGO to support weaving communities to make the protective sunglasses cases.
Sustainable Materials
Some glasses are made from recycled acetate and from 2020 they will have a new collection that is bio-acetate (so plant based as opposed to fossil-fuel derived oil). Cases are made from recycled materials.
Sustainable Packaging
Boxes are FSC MIX certified, from responsible sources. Print materials come from recycled paper stock. All single orders are sent out in 100% recycled mailer envelopes, which can either be reused or recycled after use. For every delivery they make to a customer they put £1.00 towards offsetting the CO2 cost of that delivery
Social Projects
For every pair of sunglasses sold, they give back to eye-care programmes in Africa by providing grants to vision centres, dispensaries and screening programmes. They work alongside a Ghanaian-based NGO to support weaving communities to make the protective sunglasses cases - woven using traditional methods utilising otherwise wasted plastic, they provide trade and an income to help them empower themselves whilst upholding tradition.
Recycled Materials
Cases are made from recycled materials.
Vegan
All Pala sunglasses are vegan and cruelty-free.